A new move to keep clean two alleys in Middlesbrough’s Gresham area is paying dividends.

And it is also being held up as an example for others to follow.

Middlesbrough Council community worker Cath Taylor, Gresham councillor Susan Carter and community council chairman Linda Mole have all been involved with residents in getting the new scheme up and running.

Two alleys - between Falkland Street and Enfield Street and between Falkland Street and Finsbury Street - have been involved in the scheme.

Cllr Carter said residents were now telephoning the council if they had junk to be collected and the communal refuse bins were being properly used. Dogs were no longer fouling the alleys.

Plans are being taken forward to make the alleys even better. Flower tubs, hanging baskets and seats should be in place by the summer.